Published: February 27, 2009 06:09 am      

Edmondson discusses challenges

Attorney General Drew Edmondson touched lightly on the economy Thursday at the Woodward Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet, where he was the guest speaker.

Though most of his speech was light and humorous, he admitted, “We are facing some pretty tough times in Oklahoma City. We got the word about how much less we’re going to have to spend this fiscal year.

“We had our economic sessions recently and there are some real challenges there,” he said. “Budgets are going to have to be cut. Government is going to have to be more efficient.”

Despite the tightening of the budget, however, he said good choices had been made in selecting legislators and that he thought those elected would “do a good job.”

He said that Oklahoma had assets and that if the same kind of energy that created those assets could be put forth, he had no doubt “we can exercise the kind of responsibility needed at the state level.”

While the legislature in Oklahoma City will be facing tough economic times, Edmondson pointed out that Woodward had challenges as well.

“You have an opportunity to have the half cent sales tax continue,” he said.

He noted the walking trail and projects at Crystal Beach.

“You have some wonderful things you are accomplishing,” he said.

He also praised the recent addition of the new building for Northwestern Oklahoma State University, calling it a “wonderful attraction and a marvelous facility.”

Edmondson was elected attorney general in 1994 and was re-elected in 1998, 2002 and 2006, winning more than 60 percent of the vote in his last two elections.

The attorney general has several ties to the area as his wife Linda is a native of Fargo,

Chamber of Commerce President C. J. Montgomery discussed the organization’s activities throughout the year in his annual report, highlighting events such as Crystal Christmas and the Northwest District Junior Livestock show, among others.

He also highlighted the chamber’s work in tourism and other areas.

Outgoing Chairman Robert Solloway directed the traditional passing of the gavel to incoming Chairman Tyson Littau.

Also honored were retiring board of directors members Mac Benbrook, Brenda Evans, Polly Fox, Forrest Rogers, Dr. Phil Sims and Suzie Wheelock.

Joining the board of directors this year for a three-year term are Dwight Hughes, Dr. David Jones, Cole Myers, Wade Pagett, Rosalyn Wagner, Melissa Washmon and Dr. Vickie Williams.

Officers for the upcoming year are Littau, Chairman-Elect Steve Jones, Vice-Chairman Chris Keeton, Treasurer Dr. Deena Fisher and Past Chairman Solloway.